HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 1217


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Amended by the Senate

Title: An act relating to clubhouse rehabilitation services.

Brief Description: Establishing standards for clubhouse rehabilitation services.

Sponsors: By Representatives Hinkle, Darneille, Bailey, Cody, Pettigrew, Green, Kenney, Dickerson, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Campbell, Linville, Seaquist and Morrell.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/24/07, 1/29/07 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/5/07, 95-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 4/3/07, 48-0.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
  • Requires mental health clubhouses to be certified by the international center for clubhouse development.
  • Clubhouses that have completed requirements for certification and are awaiting a formal review will be deemed to have met the minimum standards.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Curtis, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Community-based clubhouses for people with a mental illness provide assistance in dealing with activities of daily life, employment, and vocational services. There is no statutory definition of what services a mental health clubhouse provides and what standards it should comply with.


Summary of Engrossed Bill:

A mental health clubhouse is defined as a community-based program that provides rehabilitation services and is certified by the international center for clubhouse development.


EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):

The Senate amendment deletes the requirement that clubhouses be certified by the International Center for Clubhouse Development. Clubhouses will be certified by the Department of Social and Health Services. Standards for the state certification of clubhouses will include a recovery focus, the opportunity for members to participate in all aspects of clubhouse operation, comprehensive training and job placement, and in-house educational programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Clubhouses help people with a mental illness live successfully in the community. Clubhouses help to boost self esteem, develop work skills, and improve participants' quality of life.

(Concerns) There should not be a reference to the rights and responsibilities of consumers in minimum standards for clubhouses.

(Opposed) Drop-in centers provide valuable services to clients, but they will not qualify as a clubhouse if this bill passes.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Hinkle, prime sponsor; Representative Darneille; Debbie Terry, Lenora Warden and William Hagadurn, Rose House; Erica Horn, Washington State Clubhouse Coalition; and Loren Northrup, Hero House.

(Concerns) BJ Cooper.

(Opposed) Diana Jaden-Catori.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.